What do you think of when you think of Hawai’i? Beaches? Surfing? Hula? Food? Aloha (the word and it’s meanings, not the movie)? Another answer adds a lot of these aspects into one. The Lu’au!
MauiActivities.com has your hookup with Lu’au throughout the island of Maui. We’re not going to say “these are our top 10” because each and every lu’au is unique and every one of them has food! What I’m going to share is what each lu’au brings to the table, and you decide which one you want to go to.
***Just a heads up, ALL of these are outdoor lu’aus. Hours of operations, menu items, drink items, and more can change due to weather, seasonality of food, and other outside factors. Please be aware of all of these as you make your decisions.
Wailea Marriott Te Au Moana Lu’au.
This lu’au is located in Wailea (past the Kihei district) and has a very beautiful oceanfront setting with a great view of the sunset. The seating is ohana seating, so the sooner you book your tables the better seating you’ll have. Each guest is welcomed with a flower lei, or kukui nut lei (depending on the availability of fresh flowers). You’ll be able to walk around the lu’au grounds and participate in the available Hawai’ian games, talk with local artists, witness the kalua pig coming out of the imu (underground oven) and walk up to one of the bars and order yourself a drink.
Dinner will consist of various foods from all round the pacific. From other island nations like New Zealand, Tahiti, Samoa, and of course Hawai’i. Dishes like Mahi-Mahi, Teriyaki steaks, shoyu chicken to start off. To end the meal you’ll be treated to deserts such as Key Lime Squares, Haupia (coconut) treats, and more!
The show will come in 3 acts. The first act will be about the Polynesian hero Maui. It will tell the tales of his heroic acts that include battling the Sun Lā. The second act will showcase the dances from Tahiti, Tonga, Cook Islands, and more. The last act will have hula, ukulele performances, a touch dance, and the finale with a Samoan Fire Knife dance.
Sheraton Kaanapali Maui Nui Luau
Experience a Polynesian Revue at one of Maui’s most beautiful and breathtaking oceanfront luaus, at the renown Sheraton Maui, on the famous Kaanapali Beach. There’s parking options as well. $2 self parking, or $5 valet parking with the luau validation.
Your unforgettable evening will start with the torch lighting ceremony, where a Hawaiian warrior will get to do a cliff dive off of Kaanapali’s Black Rock at sunset. The luau will feature the dance, history and beauty of the Pacific Island nations of Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Tahiti & Samoa. All concluding with an incredible fire-knife dancing.
The luau will also feature a delicious array of Hawaii’s most traditional dishes as well as its famous tropical cocktails, such as Mai-Tai’s & Blue Hawaii, from the open bar. Local dishes such as Kalua Pig, Lau Lau, Poke, Lomi Lomi Salmon, and more. You will have dietary restriction choices available for you.
Myths of Maui Lu’au – Royal Lahaina Lu’au
Another Lu’au located on the famously beautiful beach of Ka’anapali. The Myths of Maui Lu’au, AKA the Royal Lahaina Lu’au, offers you an exciting production that displays the culture of the Pacific Island Nations like Tahiti, New Zealand, Samoa, Hawai’i, and more. VIP seating up in the front and center seats, this is a world renowned show that can’t be missed.
You’ll be greeted with a shell lei, and those with VIP will have a fresh flower lei. You’ll be treated to a traditional imu ceremony, and an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet, a kids buffet, and an open bar that includes mai-tai’s, beer, wine, sodas, juices, and more.
Hyatt Maui Drums of the Pacific
Located in the Hyatt Regency on the Ka’anapali Beach, The world renowned team of the Maui Drums of the Pacific will take you on a journey through the islands of Polynesia. Enjoying the Polynesian journey featuring the songs and dances of cultures from Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Rarotonga, the Tuamotus, Tonga and Maori – including a thrilling 3-Man Fire Knife finale.
You can choose between the Standard Luau seating or the VIP seating. Standard seating is the 5th row and further from the stage, and on raised seating that offers unobstructed views of the stage and beautiful ocean sunset views. The VIP seating is closest to the stage. You’ll be escorted first to the buffets, and includes one free photo and one luau souvenir.
Ka’anapali Westin Wailele Polynesian Lu’au
Your evening will begin as you are greeted with a welcome drink and a Hawaiian lei, when you’ll also have the opportunity to take pictures with your luau dancers. For those who would like to learn more of the Polynesian Art & Culture or would like to interact with the cast and performers, the Wailele Luau features activities such as coconut husking to coconut frond weaving, as well as poi ball demonstration and lessons on how to tie a pare’o (sarong). Those who are in the mood for shopping will have the opportunity to visit with local vendors who will be showcasing their locally crafted jewelry & crafts.
The Wailele Polynesian Luau features a very elegant setting and an all-you-can-eat buffet style dinner. Your servers will be taking your drink orders throughout the evening; you will have an entire bar featuring the best cocktails, beer (including Tahitian beer), red & white wines, Maui’s famous Mai-Tai’s and Blue Hawaiians, and more.
The show boasts the most extreme and exciting troupe of Fire-Knife dance performances on Maui, where one of its members, Tavita, is a third generation fire-knife chief. Also featured are dances of Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand.
Huaka’i Lu’au at the Maui Ocean Center
Centrally located on Maui, the Huaka’i Luau at the Maui Ocean Center offers an exciting evening of authentic Polynesian cuisine and entertainment that will certainly make a great memory of your Maui vacation! Located at the ocean view Seascape Restaurant, this event features a delicious Hawaiian buffet dinner, a couple of drinks, and an incredible Polynesian revue that culminates with a breathtaking knife-fire dancing grand finale!
Isn’t that a great line up?! Check out our website (www.mauiactivities.com) for more information about our lu’au activities. There’s also special holiday packages for those traveling during the holiday season. Those are very limited, so book your experience now to get the best seats in the hale (house).